Mvula's victory vindicates BSA - Mtya

ACTING chief executive of Boxing South Africa Loyiso Mtya says the ratings and sanctioning committees were vindicated when Siphosethu Mvula outclassed 22-10 favourite Unathi Gqokoma for the vacant South African junior-bantamweight title last weekend.

The newly crowned champion was rated number four and was also involved in only his fifth professional fight. But the 100-1 dark horse, who was ushered to battle by Vido Madikane, upset the bookies by defeating Gqokoma.

The vastly experienced former champion suffered his fifth loss in 25 fights. The bout was dubbed the "Battle for Territorial Supremacy" because the two combatants are from Duncan Village and Mdantsane.

The two townships enjoy a lively sporting rivalry.

"Mvula was deemed to be a sacrificial lamb whose legs are still wobbly, like those of a newborn calf. That, according to some critics, was because Mvula had only four fights. We were criticized heavily from every corner for approving him but today Mvula is the new champion and nobody is complaining," said Mtya yesterday.

"I was expecting to read stories crediting Mvula for making history because that is what he did. Look, we have competent ratings and sanctioning committees, which should be left alone to perform their duties.

"We gave Mvula the number four spot in the ratings because we saw from the very beginning that the boy is made of sterner stuff."

Mtya said Mvula showed potential early in his career: "You know when you are good in everything that you do, you don't necessarily have to have donkey's years doing it in order to convince some individuals."

History judges Mtya to be spot on regarding a boxer's potential. Vic Toweel won the SA bantamweight title in his fourth professional fight against veteran Jimmy Webster in 1949.

"These things happen all over the world. The sad thing is that if Boxing SA does it, certain individuals become experts and start criticising us," said Mtya, whose blood pressure rose as the interview continued.

"Mvula put up a spectacular show based on the fact that he broke his jaw early in the fight.

"We approved him simply because number three contender Evans Mbamba turned the offer down and said he had a better offer elsewhere. Zolani Tete, who is the number one contender, pulled out because he will be involved in an IBF title eliminator in Mexico, so we had no choice but to sanction Mvula to fight number two contender Gqokoma."